Twenty-six outstanding chamber of commerce professionals have joined the distinguished ranks of Certified Chamber Executives (CCE), the highest honor in the chamber industry. These leaders were formally recognized for their achievements during the Awards Show last week at ACCE’s Annual Convention in Philadelphia.
Established more than four decades ago, the CCE designation represents the pinnacle of professional excellence in chamber leadership. It is the only internationally recognized certification program exclusive to the chamber of commerce field.
The rigorous CCE program evaluates candidates across core areas of chamber management—including leadership, strategic planning, membership development, communications, revenue generation, and operational excellence. Earning the designation requires extensive knowledge, significant experience, and a deep commitment to advancing their organizations and the communities they serve.
Congratulations to the 2025 Class of Certified Chamber Executives, especially those who are part of our GrowthZone family:
Heath Barret, CCE, IOM
Vice President of Membership Development
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance
Michelle Bundren, CCE, IOM
President/CEO
Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce
Matthew Ferraro, CCE, IOM
President/CEO
Katy Area Chamber
Colleen Frein, CCE, IOM
President & CEO
Mason City Chamber of Commerce
Shannon Full, CCE
President/CEO
Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce
Allison Hestand, CCE
CEO/Director of Economic Development
Paragould Regional Chamber of Commerce
Hope Kennedy, CCE
President/CEO
North Tampa Bay Chamber
Wendy Laros, CCE
President and CEO
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
Jessica Linder Gallo, CCE, IOM
President & CEO
Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce
Sharla Meisenheimer, CCE, IOM
Director of Membership
Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce
Tracy M. Myers, CCE, IOM
Executive Vice President for Member & Investor Engagement
Greensboro Area Chamber of Commerce
Corey Parks, CCE, PCED, IOM
Chief Economic Development Officer
Conway Area Chamber of Commerce
Douglas Peters, CCE, IOM
President & CEO
Abilene Chamber of Commerce
Ali Rauch, CCE, IOM
President & CEO
Opelika Chamber
Cynthia Schneider, CCE
CEO
Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
Gina Suydam, CCE, IOM
President
Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce
Gary Troutman, CCE, IOM
President/CEO
Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce
Zeb Welborn, CCE
President & CEO,
Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce
Stacy Wilson, CCE
Chief Revenue Officer
Little Rock Regional
